Woman arrested at Luton Airport had been trying to get to Syria

A woman arrested at Luton Airport after being deported from Turkey for using a false passport, was trying to get to Syria.

Jamila Henry, aged 22 has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years for using a relative’s passport when trying to get to the Syrian border.

Henry was detained in Ankara, Turkey by the Turkish authorities on Monday, 16 March whilst en route to the Syrian border.

She was deported from Turkey on Thursday, 19 March, arriving at Luton Airport where she was arrested.

On Saturday, 21 March, Henry was charged with possession of an identity document with intent, contrary to Section 4 of the Identity Documents Act 2010 and remanded in custody.

On Friday, 3 July, at the Old Bailey, Henry entered a plea of guilty.

Commander Richard Walton, Head of the MPS Counter Terrorism Command (SO15), said: “We don’t know Henry’s motivation for trying to get to Syria but we do know the dangers she was putting herself in.

“We continue to be concerned about the number of Muslim women and girls who are currently being enticed to Syria. Those that travel, risk being sexually assaulted or enslaved by the terrorist group Islamic State.”

Anyone who is worried that a family member may be considering travelling can get advice and help by visiting: www.preventtragedies.co.uk

This is a dedicated webpage, created as a one-stop-shop for concerned families to visit to access further information and advice on this issue. The website also provides links to a range of further organisations working in this field.